This is the second edition. The first edition was published under the title Sustainable Materials - with both eyes open. It was chosen as an Outstanding Academic Title by the American Library Association/ACRL's Choice magazine. The new edition is updated and contains an extra chapter.

Materials, transformed from natural resources into the buildings, equipment, vehicles and goods that underpin our remarkable lifestyle, are made with amazing efficiency. But our growing demand is not sustainable. This optimistic and richly-informed book evaluates all the options and explains how we can greatly reduce the amount of material demanded and used in manufacturing, while still meeting everyone's needs.

"Instead of the usual ya-boo about sustainability, this is a pragmatic guide to getting more value from less stuff. Researched with long-term co-operation from industry, it emphasizes facts and evidence but is aimed at a popular readership." - BBC News Magazine

"An excellent book ... the message is clear and convincing: We can’t go on using materials the way we have been for the past 150 years, but fortunately, we don’t have to. We can meet the world’s growing need for the stuff of modern life, avoid the worst effects of climate change, and preserve the environment for future generations." [Review of 1st Edition]

- Bill Gates, Gates Notes

Julian Allwood is a Professor of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, wherehe leads the Low Carbon Materials Processing research group. Jonathan Cullen isUniversity Lecturer in the University of Cambridge Engineering Department. Theyboth have extensive practical experience working in the engineering industry, as well astaking part in numerous research projects.